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Monday, February 24, 2014

Uncle Chuan is an old-fashioned and conservative man staying alone in Cameron Highlands leading a lonely retired life. His only hope is to reunite with his only daughter Ah Bee who will be returning from overseas after graduation and stay together as a traditional family. Finally Ah Bee came back after graduation but she brought back her foreign boyfriend Benji with her and they planned to get married. Uncle Chuan vigorously opposed to the marriage due to Ben’s frivolous behaviour but he failed to change his daughter’s mind. At the end, Uncle Chuan agreed to their marriage reluctantly, with a condition to be fulfilled- their wedding ceremony must be a Chinese ceremony. According to the Chinese culture, son-in-law Benji is obliged to deliver the wedding invitations together with the father-in-law. To realise a promise of young age, Uncle Chuan decided to invite all his 11 ex-primary classmates that are now located all over Malaysia to attend the daughter’s wedding. He has planned a route map to visit all these ex-classmates in order to hand them the invitation card in person. Benji has agreed with the task but insisted to travel in his motorcycle. Without much choice, the journey of a long distance road travel of Uncle Chuan accompanied by Benji kicked started unwillingly.

By far, the best local film I've watched!

I was initially shocked that this film beaten "Robocop" in the local box office but then again, it was indeed a really good film. The Journey is an amazing story that is more than your average typical CNY movie. It has a funny yet touching story accompanied with breathtaking visuals. Although I've not watched Chiu's previous films like "Great Day", I'm sure if you've watched (which by now, you should) The Journey, you'll agree that this is one of the few local films which I'd say "has standard" and really make us proud.

The story is simple but funny yet meaningful that revolves around the themes of culture, unity, love & family values. Although the themes were not firmly conveyed, but you can feel the connection (especially if you're a local Malaysian) through the various culture explored in the film. I like how Chiu & his screenwriter used the point of view of a British guy to explore the story.

The plot is well thought out, which gives each character enough screen-time and enough depth in their character in a realistic way by exploring conflicts, history and etc. Despite that some scenes in my opinion feels a little rushed into, but overall a job well done!

The acting was good, especially coming from a new batch of actors. The characters as I said, was well thought of, from their school history, how they connect to one another and how it affect one another. This kind of story with depth is what really caught my attention, because it is kind of uncommon in some local films.

The visuals, was breathtaking (only if it's in IMAX hahhaha:P ) The cinematography and production design of the movie was well taken care of. Many scenes just look like it's taken for a postcard or a photograph. The cinematography really shows the beauty of Malaysia's diversity from the geographical aspect to the cultural.

In a nutshell, if you haven't watched "The Journey", you MUST, at least once. Amazing, enough said. (:

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Directed By Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Chris McKayStarring Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Channing Tatum, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Alison Brie, Will FerrellSynopsis:The LEGO® Movie,” the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, opens in theaters beginning February 7, 2014. Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (“21 Jump Street,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”), it stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.(Source: GSC Cinemas)

An interesting, weird and yet unique animated film.

Because of Lego having the license to make toys based on famous people and famous movies, this gives the advantage of making the movie a creative and hilarious twist because of the various characters in the film based of other notable films such as Batman, Superman, Gandalf, characters from Star Wars and etc. Therefore this film is somewhat like "Epic Movie" or "Scary Movie" but with a Lego twist to it.

Although you shouldn't expect a Disney animated feel kind of animated film, but son't get me wrong, "The Lego Movie" is a fun, unique animated film and brings the wonder of CGI with stop-motion animation.

The storyline at first was rather cliché as a typical you-are-the-chosen-one-and-you-must-save-the-world kind of story, but with that aside, there's a weird twist at the end that may get your attention. (no spoilers here hahah :P)

The plot contains numerous funny puns in the movie and also parody of other notable movie characters that will leave you laughing. I really admire the people you did the stop-motion animation for the film. It is really amazing, as I've watched many Lego stop-motion videos online, but a full-feature movie...got a salute from me.

The characters are really interesting to watch especially Good Cop/Bad Cop voiced by Liam Neeson, Vitruvius (Initially I mistaken him as Gandalf hahah) voiced by Morgan Freeman, Batman voiced by Will Arnett and many other characters. They did a wonderful job on creating the characters and the screenplay that gives the characters funny moments that's worth laughing.

Amazing work to the team behind the movie as they literally made a whole Lego world and animating it brick-by-brick.

All in all, "The Lego Movie" is an interesting and unique movie that's worth a watch. Maybe in 3D too! :P But, like I said, don't expect a Disney feel to this movie. "The Lego Movie" is a hilarious animated movie and if you love Lego & stop motion or just want to watch a cool animated film, look no further. (: